What does a safe distance ambassador really do?

Since April 7, most of us have stayed within the walls of our own homes (I hope).

The only "outside world" we know of today is the ground floor cafeteria, the nearest grocery store and the neighborhood park.

I have not seen any part of Singapore beyond a 2 km radius for a long time, apart from my friends' Instagram stories.

But while we are staying at home, a group of people is still outside, watching the comings and goings of Singaporeans every day.

More than 3,000 compliance officers and remote ambassadors are working hard to minimize the spread of Covid-19, patrol public spaces, and make sure people follow security measures.

We contacted an ambassador safely to understand what his job entails.

Howard's presentation

Before the pandemic, Howard Lim, 59, led tour groups in the city, introducing people to Singapore's attractions, museums and cultural districts.

He has been a licensed guide for 32 years, well equipped to organize tours in English, Mandarin and local dialects.

When the coronavirus started to impact travel, Howard's work quickly fell. "(Working in) the tourism industry sucks, nothing at all," he says.

For him, accepting the offer from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to become a safe ambassador was a way to adapt and a way to "contribute to society".

Although it cannot be compared to your full-time job, it offers at least a "basic" income. With government grants, this is enough to relieve your financial stress for now.

On the other hand, he also didn't want to be locked up at home with absolutely nothing to do, a situation that some of his industry friends are now facing.

(Not knowing what to do) is very, very difficult. But with this assignment, I can at least mix with colleagues. At the same time, we meet store owners and people in public.

Howard Lim, Safe Distance Ambassador

Little India Patrol

Before his first day, Howard was ready to work with a simple Zoom training session.

An STB agent has told you what to look for, how to communicate with people carefully, and most importantly, to make sure you also maintain safe practices.

"We have to put on the mask, use a hand sanitizer, take the temperature, don't walk too close to each other, and wash your hands often too."

Although it is an early riser, the patrol does not start until 11 a.m. when most of the stores are open and people are going out to buy their necessities.

Three days a week, Howard takes a bus and train from his home in Hougang to Little India, where he has been assigned.

The cultural district has always been a regular feature of his tourist routes, which is why he knows the area very well.

"Little India is not that small," she shares some of her knowledge. "In fact, there are about 900 stores in total, if they were all fully open."

To cover the entire area, safety distance ambassadors are divided into teams of two or three to patrol different areas, alternating each area weekly.

Some bumps, but Public awareness has improved

As he tours, Howard watches over the crowd in areas like markets, restaurants and supermarkets.

The markets of Little India are particularly busy, not only in the morning, but throughout the day, he shares.

It also checks if there are people in public without a mask.

Ambassadors like him work closely with law enforcement officials: they don't have the power to impose fines, but they speak to people who ignore the rules and remind them what to do.

If he discovers that his behavior has not changed after being informed, he takes photos and reports the case to a compliance officer, who will take further action.

On average, Howard says he encounters two to three cases a day, an improvement over starting the breaker.

At first, many people weren't used to (the rules). As far as the safe distance is concerned, they just think, "Actually, I'm not too close, is it?"

Howard Lim, Safe Distance Ambassador

One of the first problems he faced was that a few owners who lived in stores above or behind their stores could not tell when to wear a mask.

Initially, some of them mistakenly thought that it was okay to leave their masks if they stayed inside their tents, which was considered non-essential.

"So we had to inform and educate them:" As long as you open (the blinds), even if you're not open for business, you have to wear a mask, "says Howard.

Sometimes she also realizes that people enjoy shopping with some of their loved ones. And although there is no rule against this, it certainly contributes to a larger crowd, especially in small stores.

"But it's not that bad today. People are more aware of the safe distance and the proper use of their masks."

"There has been more publicity and education through the media, which is really very important. I think there has been a change in the attitude of the public, "he adds.

However, while people stick to "normal days" a bit, they also share that things got a little more chaotic on Mother's Day, which has happened recently.

Now that people can't go out to celebrate, the number of food delivery orders skyrocketed that day.

Naturally, many people were impatient to pick up their orders quickly, which forced them to go to restaurants and wait on tiptoe.

Understanding the difficulties of store owners

While meeting different people while on patrol, Howard also learned to be patient and careful beyond just following the rules.

For example, you have observed the difficulties of small business owners trying their best to cope with the crowd.

Companies are responsible for maintaining a safe distance between their staff, their customers and the delivery drivers at their facilities.

However, it is not always easy when the circuit breaker has caused a large influx of customers by flooding the grocery stores.

"Many stores are small, like minimarts, which function as an individual exhibit," says Howard.

With its limitations, you understand that some traders may not step up additional measures such as registering customers or taking their temperatures while managing the store.

This is where your role comes in, to support these store owners and help them remind the public not to rush or rush.

He even shares that he is concerned about traffic because some stores are located along narrow streets in the old quarter.

“So we also care about the vehicles. Every time we pass by, we will remember people and store owners (to be careful), ”he adds.

How do safety distance ambassadors eat breakfast?

Between their duties to take care of the community, Howard and the other ambassadors safely take an afternoon break to rest and have lunch.

When it was first deployed, it turned out to be a problem because, like everyone else, they weren't allowed to eat anywhere.

However, it didn't take long for them to have a comfortable place to enjoy their meals.

"I was very moved by this. STB has been looking for a suitable place for us, so now we're going to the second floor of Tekka Place, ”says Howard.

Sure, they stay separate from each other while eating, but that doesn't stop them from having good conversations at lunchtime.

We must do our part to protect each other

After another night shift, Howard's day ends at 8 p.m., when he makes sure to report all of his observations to the compliance officer before hanging up his cord.

Family life has certainly been affected in several ways, he says. On the one hand, he comes home for dinner later than before, and his wife insists on waiting for him.

"Yes, that's why I feel sorry for her," he says with a smile. "Sometimes I tell her to eat earlier, but she wants to wait until we have dinner together."

He also makes an effort to be more careful with his hygiene around him, having spent the whole day in contact with many people.

It is more important than ever to remove the mask when you get home, take a shower and change your clothes before sitting down to relax. Good hygiene habits like this should be the norm, he says.

Before hanging up, Howard shares his hope that everyone will do their part to keep Singapore safe.

“SG United means we have to help each other. Remember: if it is for something necessary, you can go out. But if not, stay home, "he says.

"I hope that we will succeed through COVID-19, and that we can then resume a normal life."

Featured Image Credit: Youth.sg / Singapore Tourism Board